Telemark ski boot and releasable binding assembly

ABSTRACT

A boot and binding assembly is arranged for use with a ski. The boot has a toe portion, a flexible sole and a heel portion. A rigid interconnect member is mounted to the toe portion underneath the sole of the boot. The binding includes a toe piece, a latch assembly, raised portions and a release mechanism. During use, the toe portion mates with the toe piece on the ski while one end of the interconnect member releasably mates with a latch assembly on the ski. When the interconnect member is secured to the ski by the latch, a skier can lift the heel portion away from the ski by flexing the sole. This enables a skier to execute cross-country and telemark style skiing maneuvers. The latch assembly may include a pivoting member which holds the rearward end of the interconnect member. The toe portion preferably has lateral edges for facilitating securement beneath the toe piece. Preferably, a cord and handle assembly is provided as the release mechanism to facilitate disengagement of the boot from the binding.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a divisional of U.S. Application No. 09/573,570 filed May19, 2000, entitled TELEMARK SKI BOOT AND RELEASABLE BINDING ASSEMBLY,which is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 09/014,331 filedJan. 27, 1998, entitled RELEASABLE TELEMARK SKI BOOT AND BINDINGASSEMBLY.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to ski bindings. Morespecifically the invention relates to a ski boot, a ski binding and aboot and binding combination all of which are particularly useful fortelemark skiing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Telemark skiing is very popular. In telemark skiing a skier wearsski boots which are attached to skis by ski bindings. The bindings donot hold the heels of the skier's boots fixed to the ski as do downhillski bindings. Instead, telemark ski bindings permit the skier to lifthis or her heel away from the ski.

[0004] Telemark ski bindings are typically reinforced versions ofcross-country ski bindings. In most such bindings the toe of a ski bootis connected to a ski by mating three holes on the underside of the toeto three corresponding pins on the binding. Such bindings are called“three-pin” bindings.

[0005] Telemark skiing requires a skier to carve an edge of the ski intothe snow in order to maintain control. An ideal telemark ski bindingsystem must provide good lateral stability. That is, while the bindingsystem permits the skier's heel to move away from the ski, the bindingsystem should not permit the skier's heel to move from side to siderelative to the longitudinal centerline of the ski. While three-pinbindings, are generally effective they typically allow more lateral playbetween the boot heel and the ski than is desirable for top performance.This adversely impacts skier control. A telemark ski boot-binding systemshould also provide good torsional rigidity.

[0006] Another problem with some telemark ski binding systems is thatthe ski heel is able to move undesirable freely toward and away from theski. This is a problem because a ski is a long object which thereforepossesses a large moment of inertia about a transverse axis. Thus askier can have difficulty in controlling the position of the heelportion of the boot relative to the ski as is essential for maintainingcontrol and effecting good telemark turns.

[0007] In an effort to remedy the foregoing inadequacies of telemarkbinding systems binding manufacturers have added cables to theirtelemark bindings. Each binding has a toe piece portion which receives atoe portion of a skier's boot and a cable attached to the toe pieceportion. The cable wraps around the heel of a skier's boot and issecured to the binding on both sides of the toe portion of the boot. Thecable typically includes one or more extension springs. The springsmaintain the cable under tension so that the cable pulls the boot heelforward toward the toe piece. This helps to ensure that the toe portionremains snugly secured within the clamp(s). In general, the cable hastwo main functions. First, it forces the toe of the boot firmly into thetoe piece portion of the binding. This reduces lateral play between theboot and the ski. The forward force is greatest when the boot is in a“heel low” position, i.e., a substantially flat position on the ski.

[0008] Second, when the skier's boot is in a “heel high” position, i.e.the boot heel is lifted substantially away from the ski, the cableapplies a force to the heel which has a component that tends to pull theheel back toward the ski. This helps a skier to maintain the heel andski in a desired relationship during telemark turns.

[0009] Telemark cable binding systems have shortcomings. For example, itis typically impractical to make the cable tight enough to hold a skiboot firmly enough into a binding to eliminate lateral play. When thecable is made very tight it can exert enough force on the heel of theski boot to overcome the stiffness of the toe of the boot and cause thetoe portion of the boot to collapse onto the skier's foot. This verypainful phenomenon is known commonly to skiers as “toe crunch” and cancause severe injury.

[0010] Another problem with cable bindings is that the position alongthe ski at which the cable pivots as the heel is raised is spaced apartfrom the position where the sole of the boot bends. This relationship ofpivot points can result in “tip dive”, which is a condition wherein theski tip rotates precipitously downwardly into the snow. Tip divegenerally unsettles the skier and is likely to cause the skier to fall.

[0011] The springs used in the cable bindings also tend to breakprematurely during normal use. Replacing broken springs introducesundesirable costs. The cables, and their associated springs also tend tocut, mar and/or otherwise damage both the ski boot about which they arewrapped, and the boot attached to the adjacent ski. Such damage canoccur as a result of the springs scraping back and forth against theouter surfaces of the boots.

[0012] Another disadvantage of some telemark bindings is that they donot release at all, or reliably, when a skier falls in a manner thatplaces excessive forces on their legs.

[0013] Accordingly, there remains a need for alternatives toconventional crosscountry and telemark boots and bindings in which theabove-noted problems are ameliorated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] It is an object of this invention to provide an binding and bootassembly which is suitable for telemark skiing and which providesimproved heel stability during use.

[0015] Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a novelboot and binding assembly arranged for use with an elongate ski. Theboot has a sole with a toe portion and a heel portion. An interconnectmember underneath the sole of the boot is attached to the toe portion ofthe sole. The interconnect member has a rearward portion located betweenthe toe and heel portions of the boot. The binding includes a toe piece,a latch assembly, raised portions and a release mechanism. During use,the toe portion mates with a toe piece on the elongate ski while one endof the interconnect member releasably mates with a latch assembly on theelongate ski. In this manner, since the pivotally-mounted interconnectmember is secured to the elongate ski, the heel portion can be liftedaway from the ski while the boot remains attached to the elongate ski.This enables a skier to execute cross country and telemark-style skiingmanoeuvres as well as walk or hike.

[0016] In preferred embodiments the latch assembly comprises a pivotingclamp for securing a rearward end of the interconnect member and aspring mechanism for biasing the pivoting clamp into a latchedconfiguration wherein the clamp holds the rearward end of theinterconnect member.

[0017] Another aspect of the invention provides a ski boot comprising: aflexible sole having a toe portion and a heel portion, the toe portionfor mating with a toe piece on a ski during use; and, an interconnectmember for releasably mating with a latch assembly on the ski. Theinterconnect member is attached to the toe portion of the sole and has arearward portion located between the toe and heel portions of the sole.A heel portion of the boot can be lifted away from a ski during usewhile the interconnect member remains releaseably attached to the ski.Preferably the sole comprises a sole stiffener for varying a flexingaction of said boot. Most preferably the sole stiffener has a lengthabout the same as a length of the interconnect member.

[0018] A further aspect of the invention provides a binding assembly formounting a boot having a rigid interconnection member to an elongateski, while permitting a heel of the boot to be lifted away from the skiby a skier. The binding assembly includes a toe piece for releasablysecuring a toe portion of a boot to the elongate ski during use; and alatch assembly mountable to the elongate ski behind the toe piece. Thelatch assembly releasably holds the interconnection member of a boot ata location under the boot and between a heel and toe of the boot. Whenthe interconnection member is being held, a heel portion of the boot canbe lifted away from the ski during use while maintaining releasableattachment of the boot with the ski.

[0019] A still further aspect of the invention provides a ski bootcomprising: a resiliently flexible sole having a toe portion and a heelportion and a interconnect member for releasably mating with a latchassembly on the ski. The toe portion mates with a toe piece on a skiduring use. The interconnect member is rigidly affixed to the toeportion of the sole and has a rearward portion located between the toeand heel portions of the sole. When the sole is flexed, the sole islifted away from the interconnect member. In preferred embodiments thesole comprises a sole stiffener for varying a flexing action of saidboot and the interconnect member is rigidly affixed to the solestiffener.

[0020] A still further aspect of the invention provides a ski bindingfor mounting a boot having a rigid interconnection member to an elongateski, while permitting a heel of the boot to be lifted away from the skiby a skier. The binding assembly comprises: a toe piece for releasablysecuring a toe portion of a boot to the elongate ski during use; and, alatch assembly mountable to the elongate ski behind the toe piece forreleasably holding the interconnection member of a boot at a locationunder the boot and between a heel and toe of the boot. A heel portion ofthe boot can be lifted away from the ski during use while maintainingreleasable attachment of the boot with the ski. The latch assemblycomprises a pair of opposed forwardly biased members each capable ofengaging a side edge of a rearward portion of an interconnection memberand a member located to block upward movement of the rearward portion ofan interconnection member.

[0021] These and other objects and features of the present inventionwill become more fully apparent from the following description andappended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention asset forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more fully understand the manner in which theabove-recited and other advantages and objects of the invention areobtained, a more particular description of the invention will berendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not thereforeto be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention in itspresently understood best mode for making and using the same will bedescribed and explained with additional specificity and detail throughthe use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0023]FIG. 1 is a side view of a boot and binding assembly according tothis invention with the boot being readied for use;

[0024]FIG. 2 is a side view of the boot and binding assembly of FIG. 1with the boot in a heel high position during use;

[0025]FIG. 3 is a cross section view of a preferred embodiment of alatch assembly mated with a interconnect member coupling the toe portionof the boot to the latch taken along the line 3—3 of FIG. 2;

[0026]FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a ski boot according to the invention;

[0027]FIG. 5 is a section through a binding assembly according to analternative embodiment of the invention;

[0028]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the binding assembly of FIG. 5;

[0029]FIG. 7A is a bottom plan view of a boot equipped with a removableinterconnection member according to an alternative embodiment of theinvention; and,

[0030]FIG. 7B is a transverse elevational section through the boot ofFIG. 7A. List of Reference Numerals  20 boot and binding assembly  22boot  24 toe portion  26 heel portion  28 lateral edges  30 toe piece 31 ski  32 raised portion (at heel)  33 raised portion (at toe)  34sole of boot  36 interconnect member  37 channel  42 rear end ofinterconnect  44 latch assembly member  46 C-clamp  48 pivot axis  50block  52 front portion of ski  54 spring mechanism  56 aft portion ofski  58 end stop  60 top of ski  62 cord  64 hand grip  65 lip portionof toe piece  66 upper surface of C-clamp  70 notch  72 stiffener  74rear end of raised portion  76 fasteners  78 tapered portion  80 recess120 binding assembly 130 toe piece 131 toe clamp 132 ridge 134 cammember 136 interconnect member 137 block 138 screw 142 rear end ofinterconnect 143 side edges member 144 latch mechanism 145 bottom face146 latch members 147 crosspiece 151 spring wire 152 rod 153 ends ofspring wire 154 bar 156 threaded shaft 222 boot 236 interconnectionmember 243 front end of interconnect member 250 bevelled edges 255socket 256 overhanging edges 257 aperture

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] This invention relates to a novel boot and binding assemblypreferably arranged for use with an elongate ski. The boot has aflexible sole with a toe portion and a heel portion. A rigidinterconnect member is attached to and extends rearwardly from the sole.The binding includes a toe piece, a latch assembly, raised portions anda release mechanism. During use, the toe portion of the boot is receivedin the toe piece, the rear edge of the rigid interconnect member isreceived in the latch and the flexible sole can bend to permit the heelportion of the boot to be lifted away from the ski.

[0032] As used herein, “ski” is any of a variety of telemark,cross-country or alpine skis, but is not so limited. As used herein,“boot” or “ski boot” is any of a variety of telemark, cross-country oralpine ski boots. The boots may be made of any suitable materials as areknown to those skilled in the boot making arts.

[0033]FIG. 1, shows a boot and binding assembly 20 according to thisinvention. Boot 22 has a toe portion 24, a heel portion 26 and a rigidinterconnect member 36 attached to and extending rearwardly from the toeportion. Interconnect member 36 may comprise a rigid plate Toe portion24 is generally near the front end of boot 22 and has lateral edges 28.Heel portion 26 is generally near the back end of boot 22.

[0034] Binding assembly 20 includes a toe piece 30, and a latch assembly44, both of which are affixed to a ski 31. Preferably latch assembly 44is located under the sole 34 of boot 22. Most preferably the latchassembly is located in a region generally beneath the mid-portion ofboot 22 which receives the ball of a skier's foot. The mid-portion isroughly mid-way between toe portion 24 and heel portion 26.

[0035] Preferably toe piece 30 includes a raised portion 33 whichsupports the underside of toe portion 28 and a raised portion 32 whichsupports the heel of boot 22. This allows boot 22 to rest substantiallyflat and generally parallel to the top surface of ski 31 during use eventhough latch 44 is under sole 34.

[0036] Interconnect member 36 has a first end 40 connected to toeportion 24. In use, a skier engages toe portion 24 in toe piece 30 andengages a rear end 42 of interconnect member 36 in latch 44. Asinterconnect member 36 is stiff, boot 22 cannot slide significantlyforwardly or rearwardly relative to ski 31. As interconnect member 36 isrigidly attached to boot 22 and rear end 42 of interconnect member 36 isprevented from moving transversely by latch 44, assembly 20 can providegood lateral stiffness.

[0037] The flex characteristics of sole 34 may be varied. Preferablysole 34 is resiliently flexible so that it tends to return boot 22 to a“heel down” position unless a skier is deliberately lifting his or herheel away from ski 31. To increase stability and extend longevity ofboot 22, sole 34 is preferably reinforced with a sole stiffener 72 asshown in FIG. 2. Sole stiffener 72 can be of various cross-sections andsizes depending upon the desired stiffness of sole 34. Sole stiffener 72may have various shapes and sizes. Sole stiffener 72 may be interior orexterior to boot 22 and may be joined at various positions tointerconnect member 36.

[0038] Interconnect member 36 interconnects boot 22 and ski 31. As theforces imposed upon interconnect member 36 during skiing can besubstantial, interconnect member 36 is constructed of a suitablematerial capable of withstanding such forces. Preferred materialsinclude, but are not limited to, metals, plastics, combinations ofmetals and plastics and other similarly related materials.

[0039] Sole 34 is flexible. When sole 34 is not flexed, interconnectmember 36 lies generally parallel to sole 34, as shown in FIG. 1. Whensole 34 is flexed, as shown in FIG. 2, sole 34 pulls away from rear end42 of interconnect member 36. In a preferred embodiment, when sole 34 isnot being flexed, interconnect member 36 is received in a channel 37 insole 34. This prevents interconnect member 36 from interfering undulywith walking while wearing boots 22. Interconnect member 36 ispreferably reasonably short. Interconnect member 36 should preferably beless than about 6 inches long.

[0040] Interconnect member 36 is affixed to sole 34 in a manner whichcan withstand the maximum forces which could be expected during skiing.Preferably interconnect member 36 is affixed to boot 22, for example byrivets, welds, or the like, to a flexible stiffening plate 72 in sole34. It is not necessary for interconnect member 36 to attach to astiffening plate 72. Interconnect member 36 could be attached at the toeend of sole 34 in other suitable strong ways. For example, interconnectmember 36 could be affixed by way of screws, rivets, or the like to amounting plate (not shown) on the top side of sole 34 so that sole 34 isclamped between the mounting plate and interconnect member 36.

[0041]FIG. 4 shows a boot 22 equipped with a sole stiffener 72 accordingto a currently preferred embodiment of the invention. Sole stiffener 72comprises a U-shaped sheet of spring steel integrated with sole 34.Stiffener 72 may be attached to sole 34 with fasteners, such as screwsor rivets or may be molded into sole 34.

[0042] Latch assembly 44 may take various forms. In the embodiment shownin the drawings, latch assembly 44 comprises a generally “C” shapedclamp (hereinafter C-clamp) 46 pivotally mounted to a block 50. C-clamp46 can pivot about a pivot point 48. Block 50 is attached to ski 31.Pivoting of C-clamp 50 about point 48 may be facilitated by any of avariety of hinge mechanisms.

[0043] C-clamp 46 is biased into a “latched” position wherein end 42 ofinterconnect member 36 is coupled to latch assembly 44. In theillustrated embodiment, C-clamp 46 is biased toward a front end 52 ofski 31 by a spring mechanism 54 which is positioned within block 50.Spring mechanism 54 optimally biases c-clamp 46 forward with a biasforce of about 10 pounds force. In the illustrated embodiment, springmechanism 54 comprises an extension spring located on a side of theC-clamp 46 toward an aft portion 56 of ski 31. Preferably a mechanicalend stop 58 limits forward motion of C-clamp 46. In the illustratedembodiment, end stop 58 comprises a member which limits forward motionof C-clamp 46 by abuttingly engaging a top 60 of ski 31. In thisembodiment, end stop 58 comprises a projection which is formedintegrally with C-clamp 46.

[0044]FIG. 3 shows a preferred embodiment for latch assembly 44. Block50 is secured to ski 31 at several points by suitable mechanicalfasteners 76 as is well known in the art. Interconnect member 36 has atapered portion 78 at its second end 42. Tapered portion 78 is shaped tofit securely into a correspondingly shaped recessed portion 80 of block50. In this manner, the interconnect member 36 is prevented fromsubstantial lateral movement when it is latched within block 50 and,thus, boot 22 is prevented from substantial lateral movement. Thisprevents the adverse effects of heel slippage during use. C-clamp 46 isarranged so that when it is in its “latched” position it prevents rearend 42 of interconnect member 36 from being lifted out of recessedportion 80 of block 50. C-clamp 46 has a sloped upper surface 66 toallow the user to step down onto the clamp. The force of the steppingdown pivots C-clamp 46 away from the rearward end of interconnect member36 and, when interconnect member 36 reaches the desired mating position,C-clamp 46 springs back to a latched position about the interconnectmember.

[0045] A cord 62 having a handle 64 extends rearwardly from C-clamp 46.C-clamp 46 may be pivoted rearwardly into an “unlatched” position bypulling on cord 62. In the illustrated embodiment, cord 62 passesthrough a raised platform 32, which provides support for the heelportion of boot 22. Handle 64 is located in a position which isaccessible to a skier. In a preferred embodiment, handle 64 abutsclosely against a rear end 74 of the aft raised portion 32. Thisprevents cord 62 and handle 64 from interfering with skiing.

[0046] Toe piece 30 preferably provides a socket which receives toeportion 24 and permits toe portion 24 to be withdrawn rearwardly. Whentoe portion 24 is engaged in toe piece 30 toe piece 30 should preventtoe portion 24 from moving transversely relative to ski 31. Toe portion24 and toe piece 30 may, for example, mate in a manner similar to themating of a toe portion of an alpine ski boot and the toe piece of analpine ski binding, both of which are well known in the art.

[0047] To use binding assembly 20 a skier places the toe portion 24 ofboot 22 into toe piece 30 with rear end 42 of interconnect member 36positioned over recessed portion 80 of block 50. The skier mates toeportion 24 with the toe piece 30 by inserting lateral edges 28underneath a protruding lip portion 65 of toe piece 30.

[0048] Once toe portion 24 is in toe piece 30, the skier steps downwarduntil second end 42 of interconnect member 36 strikes an upper surface66 of C-clamp 46. Surface 66 is angled so that the downward pressureexerted by interconnect member 36 causes C-clamp 46 to pivot toward itsunlatched position against the bias force exerted by spring mechanism54. C-clamp 46 continues to pivot rearwardly until the rear end 42 ofinterconnect member 36 can drop into recessed portion 80. Springmechanism 54 then pushes C-clamp 46 forward so that rear end 42 ofinterconnect member 36 is captured in a notch 70 in C-clamp 46.Thereafter, the force exerted by spring mechanism 54 holds C-clamp 46 inits forward latched position (i.e. clockwise about pivot point 48 asseen in FIG. 2).

[0049] In this manner, interconnect member 36 is secured between latchmechanism 44 and toe piece 30 as shown in FIG. 2. Since interconnectmember 36 is affixed to boot 22, boot 22 is secured to ski 31 and isready for skiing use. Such use may include, but is not limited to,telemark, cross-country skiing and alpine touring. During use, sole 34of boot 22 can be flexed away from ski 31 so that heel portion 26 ofboot 22 can be lifted to permit telemark turns and hiking-style skiing.

[0050] After use, boot 22 can be released from the ski 31 by pullinghandle 64. This retracts C-clamp 46 to its unlatched position (in theillustrated embodiment this rotates C-clamp 46 counter-clockwise aboutpivot 48 as viewed in FIG. 2). When C-clamp 46 is in its unlatchedposition then the user lifts the heel portion 26 upward. This liftsinterconnect member 36 out of recessed portion 80. The user then pullsboot 22 backwards and away from the toe piece 30 to free boot 22 frombinding assembly 20.

[0051] Preferably binding 20 releases before it transmits excessiveforces, especially excessive twisting forces, to a skiers leg. One wayto provide such a release is to use a release type of toe piece 30. Forexample, toe piece 30 may comprise the toe piece of an alpine type skibinding suitably adapted to receive toe portion 24 of boot 22. Anotherway to provide such a release is to make latch 44 release end 42 ofinterconnect member 36 whenever the laterally directed force oninterconnect member 36 exceeds a predetermined threshold. Preferablyboth toe piece 30 and latch 44 are designed to release when they aresubjected to large forces directed transverse to ski 31.

[0052]FIGS. 5 and 6 show partially schematic views of a binding assembly120 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Bindingassembly 120 has a latch mechanism 144 and a toe piece 130. A boot 22has a rearwardly extending rigid interconnect member 136 attached at itstoe end. A rear end 142 of interconnect member 136 has angled side edges143.

[0053] In use, toe portion 24 of boot 22 is received in toe piece 130 insubstantially the same manner as a toe portion is received in the toepiece 30 which is described above. Rear end 142 of interconnect member136 is received between a pair of forwardly biased members 146 with eachside edge 143 in contact with one of members 146. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 5 and 6, interconnect member 136 has an angled bottom face 145 andmembers 146 are connected by a crosspiece 147. This permits a skier toinsert toe portion 24 into toe piece 130 and then step downwardly toforce angled bottom face 145 against crosspiece 147. This forcescrosspiece 147 rearwardly until it clears the end 142 of interconnectmember 136. When crosspiece 147 clears interconnect member 136,interconnect member 136 drops below crosspiece 147 and members 146 snapforwardly to capture end 142 of interconnect member 136 below crosspiece147. Crosspiece 147 is located to block upward movement of the rear endof interconnect member 136. In this latched configuration members 146press forwardly on side edges 143.

[0054] If a skier twists his or her leg relative to ski 31 one side edge143 of interconnect member 136 applies a transversely directed force toone of members 146. This tends to drive the member 146 rearwardly. Ifthe transverse force is sufficiently large then member 146 is drivenrearwardly past the end of interconnect member 136 and boot 22 isreleased from binding assembly 120.

[0055] In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, members 146 and crosspiece147 comprise three sides of a loop of stiff spring wire 151. spring wire151 wraps around a rod 152 and has projecting ends 153. A bar 154mounted on a threaded shaft 156 bears against ends 153. The amount ofpreload on spring 151, and, consequently, the force required to releaseboot 22 can be adjusted by turning threaded shaft 156 to adjust theposition of bar 154.

[0056] Binding assembly 120 comprises a toe piece 130. Toe piece 130comprises a pivotally mounted toe clamp 131 which has an overhangingridge 132. A toe portion 24 of a ski boot 22 can be received under ridge132. Toe clamp 131 is pivotally displaceable between a rearward, engagedposition, which is illustrated in FIG. 5, and a forward, disengaged,position. A cam member 134 can be pivoted forwardly, as shown in FIG. 5,to lock toe clamp 131 in its engaged position. Cam member 134 can belifted to allow toe clamp 131 to pivot forwardly into its disengagedposition.

[0057] A skier can step into binding assembly 120 by engaging toeportion 24 of a ski boot 22 with toe clamp 131 and stepping downward sothat the rearward end of interconnection member 136 is received underspring 151 as described above. When the skier wishes to release binding120 the skier can lift cam member 134. This allows the skier to slideboot 22 and toe clamp 131 far enough forward that the rear end ofinterconnection member 136 is no longer retained in latch member 144. Ablock 137 in toe clamp 131 can be moved forward or rearward with a screw138 to adjust binding 120 to fit a given boot.

[0058] Latch assembly 144 may optionally be mounted on rails (not shown)so that its position can be adjusted to suit the length of theinterconnect member of a particular ski boot 22.

[0059] The foregoing embodiments provide several advantages over theprior art. For example, when a skier lifts his or her heel upward duringuse, there is no cable to impose excessive forces on the skier's leg andboot. “Toe crunch” and premature exhaustion of the skier are avoided.There is no cable which could damage the outside of a ski boot. Thereare no cable springs to replace. Sole 34 can be designed to optimize itsflex characteristics without the requirement that it be able towithstand large forces exerted by a cable.

[0060] It should also be appreciated that the foregoing invention may berepresented in still other forms. For example, the binding may bearranged so that interconnect member 36 can be received in the bindingbefore securing toe portion 28 with toe piece 30. This alternativearrangement equates to securing the boot in a heel-then-toe sequencerather than a toe-then-heel sequence as described above.

[0061] In embodiments like those of FIGS. 5 and 6 which have a toe piece130 which can be released, releasing latch mechanism 144 could bereplaced with a non-releasing latch mechanism. Such a binding wouldreceive a rigid interconnection member 36 as described above.

[0062] Interconnect member 36 may be non-removably affixed to boot 22 ormay be removably affixed by means of removable screws or other suitablefasteners. For example, FIGS. 7A and 7B show a boot 222 having adetachable interconnection member 236. A front end 243 of interconnectmember 236 is tapered in width and has bevelled edges 250. A socket 255receives front end 243. Socket 255 is tapered in width and hasoverhanging edges 256 which bear against edges 250 when front end 243 isreceived in socket 255. In this embodiment, socket 255 has a dovetailshape in cross section. A screw or other suitable removable fastener(not shown) can be inserted through an aperture 257 in interconnectmember 236 into sole 34 of boot 222 to releasably lock interconnectmember 236 in socket 255. Instead of a fastener which is not attached toboot 222, the fastener may comprise a spring loaded pin or leaf whichprojects from sole 34 into aperture 257.

[0063] In use, the rear end of interconnect member 236 and the toe ofboot 222 are compressed together between a latch mechanism and a toepiece. This tends to keep interconnect member 236 firmly seated insocket 255 during use. A user may chose to remove interconnect member236 to make it easier to walk in boot 222. The user can also readilyreplace an interconnect member 236 which becomes worn. In either case,interconnect member 256 can be released, for example, by removing afastener from aperture 257 and then pulled rearwardly until it comes outof socket 255.

[0064] Boot 22 may be variously strengthened depending upon how “stiff”of a flexing action the skier desires. Such stiffness can be,respectively, increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing thecross sectional thickness of sole stiffener 72.

[0065] The C-clamp 46 can be further away from or closer to toe piece 30depending upon the desired pivoting action of the ski boot. Suchalternatives may also be dictated by manufacturing concerns such asmaterial costs and tolerances. C-clamp 46 need not pivot. All that isnecessary is a mechanism for retaining the rear end 42 of interconnectmember 36. For example, the pivoting C-clamp 46 could be replaced withmembers which slide longitudinally or transversely into a configurationwherein the rear end 42 of interconnect member 36 is retained in latch44. If a movable toe piece, such as toe piece 130 of FIGS. 5 and 6 isused then latch 44 could be replaced with a socket which receives andholds the rear end of interconnect member 36. A user can engageinterconnect member 36 in the socket and then clamp interconnect member36 in place by moving the toe piece rearwardly.

[0066] The latch assembly 44 may also be configured with variousalternative latches that correspond to variations in interconnect member36. Such alternatives include, but are not limited to, “snap-in”configurations, locking ball and socket combinations, snap-locking ringarrangements and any other latching mechanisms that releasably mate withthe interconnect member while allowing the heel of the boot to be liftedaway from ski 31.

[0067] In the latch assembly 44 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 theconstruction of the end stop may be varied. End stop 58 may comprise anysuitable construction which limits the pivot motion of C-clamp 46. Suchconstructions are well known to engineers engaged in ski design and notdescribed herein in detail. As one example of such an alternativeconstruction a cable stop 63 (drawn in phantom) on cord 62 bears againsta rear face of block 50 and thereby limits the forward position ofC-clamp 46. The cable stop 63 may take various forms as is obvious tothose skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.

[0068] Alternative release mechanisms may be provided in addition to, orinstead of cord 62.

[0069] The toe piece may also be configured as a clamp biased to latchonto the first end of the interconnect member in a manner similar tothat of the second end. Other alternative toe pieces, include, but arenot limited to, sideways snap-in toe locks, clasps, hasps, bolts,latches and other similar mechanisms for releasably securing the toeportion to the ski.

[0070] Either or both latch 44 and toe piece 30 may releaseautomatically if a force exceeding a threshold is applied.

[0071] This invention may be embodied in still other specific formswithout departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ski boot comprising: a longitudinally flexiblesole having a toe portion, a heel portion and a sole stiffener, the toeportion for mating with a toe piece on a ski during use; an interconnectmember for releasably mating with a latch assembly on the ski, the latchassembly being mounted to the ski behind the toe piece, the interconnectmember being fixedly attached to the toe portion of the sole and havinga rearmost portion located below the sole and between the toe and heelportions of the sole, the interconnect member being releasably securedto the ski in a position extending substantially parallel to an uppersurface of the ski; wherein the heel portion of the boot can be liftedaway from the ski and at least a portion of said sole can be lifted awayfrom at least the rearmost portion of said interconnect member duringuse by flexing said sole while said interconnect member remainsreleasably attached to said ski by means of said latch assembly and saidtoe piece; wherein said sole stiffener varies the degree of said flexingand has a length about the same as a length of the interconnect member;and wherein the interconnect member is detachable from the boot.
 2. Theboot of claim 1 comprising a socket on the sole of the boot, the socketreceiving a forward end of the interconnect member, the socket orientedsuch that the interconnect member is removable by pulling it rearwardlyfrom the socket.
 3. A binding assembly for mounting a boot to anelongate ski, the boot having an elongated sole which is adapted to flexalong its length and having a toe portion, a heel portion and anelongated interconnect member fixedly attached to the toe portion, theinterconnect member extending rearwardly from the toe portion and havinga rearmost portion located between the toe and heel portion s of theboot, the binding assembly comprising: a toe piece mountable to said skifor receiving the toe portion of the boot, said toe piece comprising atoe clamp pivotally attachable to said ski having a forward end and anaft end and a cam member, the cam member movable between a firstposition wherein a surface of the cam member pushes the toe clamp into arearward position and a second position wherein the cam member does notprevent the toe clamp from being moved forward away from its rearwardposition; and, a latch assembly mountable to said ski behind the toepiece and under the sole of the boot for releasably holding saidrearmost portion of said interconnect member; wherein, when the toeportion is received in the toe piece and the rearward portion of theinterconnect member is held by the latch assembly, the interconnectmember is secured to the ski in a position extending substantiallyparallel to an upper surface of the ski and the heel portion of the bootcan be lifted away from the ski and at least a portion of said sole canbe lifted away from at least a rearward portion of said interconnectmember by flexing said sole while the ski boot remains releasably matedto the ski by means of said interconnect member.
 4. The binding of claim3 wherein the latch assembly comprises a fixed socket for receiving arear end of said interconnect member, wherein when the toe clamp is inits rearward position the interconnect member is held between the socketand the toe piece and when the toe piece is in its forward position theinterconnect member can be slid forward out of engagement with thesocket.
 5. A ski boot comprising: a resiliently flexible sole having atoe portion, a heel portion and a sole stiffener, the toe portion formating with the toe piece on the ski during use, and said sole stiffenerfor varying a flexing action of said boot; and an interconnect memberfor releasably mating with a latch assembly on the ski, the interconnectmember rigidly and detachably affixed to the toe portion of the sole andhaving a rearward portion located between the toe and heel portions ofthe sole; wherein, when the sole is flexed, the sole is lifted away fromthe interconnect member, said interconnect member being rigidly anddetachably affixed to the sole stiffener.
 6. The boot of claim 5 whereina rearward end of the interconnect member has angled side edges
 7. Theboot of claim 5 wherein the rearward end of the interconnect member hasan angled lower face.
 8. A ski binding for mounting a boot having arigid interconnection member to an elongated ski, while permitting aheel of the boot to be lifted away from the ski by a skier, the bindingassembly comprising: a toe piece for releasably securing a toe portionof a boot to the elongate ski during use; and a latch assembly mountableto the elongate ski behind the toe piece for releasably holding theinterconnection member of a boot at a location under the boot andbetween a heel and toe of the boot so that a heel portion of said bootcan be lifted away from the ski during use while maintaining releasableattachment of the boot with the ski, the latch assembly comprising apair of opposed forwardly biased members each capable of engaging a sideedge of a rearward portion of an interconnection member and a memberlocated to block upward movement of the rearward portion of aninterconnection member.
 9. The binding of claim 8 wherein the toe piececomprises a toe clamp pivotally attachable to a ski having a forward endand an aft end and a cam member, the cam member movable between a firstposition wherein a surface of the cam member pushes the toe clamp into arearward position and a second position wherein the cam member does notprevent the toe clamp from being moved forward away from its rearwardposition.